North Korean authorities are intensifying crackdowns on Chinese-made mobile phones, which serve as a crucial channel for outside information entering the country and internal information leaking out. Despite these efforts, demand for these phones remains high.
A Daily NK source in North Pyongan province reported that earlier this month, the provincial Ministry of State Security arrested a former trade official in his 50s for selling illegal Chinese-made mobile phones. The man, referred to here as Pak, lives in Sinuiju’s Pyonghwa neighborhood.
Pak, who previously worked as a trade official in China, maintained connections with Chinese associates after returning to North Korea. He earned money by facilitating illegal remittances and cross-border smuggling. His arrest came after he sold a smuggled Chinese phone to a neighbor involved in foreign currency work. When authorities caught the neighbor using the illegal phone, it led them to Pak.
The case has wider implications, as customs officials who accepted bribes from Pak to overlook banned items at the border are now under scrutiny.
“While phone usage temporarily decreased after previous arrests during heavy crackdowns, people continue seeking these phones,” the source said. Demand is particularly strong among those with Chinese business connections, like Pak.
“Foreign currency traders dealing with Chinese businesses or ethnic Chinese residents in North Korea typically use Chinese-made phones,” the source explained. “Even after confiscation, many simply purchase new ones.”
The source added that these phones are essential for many people’s livelihoods: “Because users either have powerful connections to avoid crackdowns or simply replace confiscated phones, authorities cannot eliminate their use.”
While North Korean authorities reluctantly permit some trade officials and frequent China travelers to use Chinese phones, these users must register with the Ministry of State Security and provide detailed information about their calls and contacts. However, even some of these authorized users secretly maintain separate illegal phones for private communications.
As of the report, Pak remains under questioning by the provincial Ministry of State Security.
